Inspiring Local Female Movers & Shakers

These Women are Making their Mark on the Parker Community with their Vision, Activism and Spirit

Article Jennifer Starbuck | Photography Steven Scobee

The Doctors

Dr. Kate Messana

Dr. Kate Messana is a dermatologist and owns Elevated Dermatology with her husband, Dr. Christopher Messana.

What’s the best advice you’ve ever received?

Someone once told me that everyone I meet knows something more than I, and my job is to listen and learn from them. I believe that every person I meet is an opportunity to become a better person, either intellectually, emotionally or spiritually.

Besides your family, who has inspired you most in your career?

It is all family for me! My father, mother, sisters, husband and children.

What’s your favorite Parker hangout?

I love the natural beauty, the variety of options for outdoor fun and, believe it or not, the sunshine!

The Doctors

Dr. Kate Kaelin

Dr. Kate Kaelin is the owner of Kaelin Pediatric Dentistry in Parker and mom of a middle schooler and college freshman.

What’s the best advice you’ve ever received?

Treat others as you would like to be treated. Being a mom, I try to treat all my patients as if they were my own and give them the best possible care and dental experience.

What motivates you?

My daughters continue to motivate me to keep learning and developing myself. I have encouraged and supported them, and now they are doing the same for me.

Besides your family, who has inspired you the most in your career?

My good friend and past babysitter, Pearl, who recently passed away at age 101 has been my life role model and confidant.

The Director

Renee Vejvoda

Renee Vejvoda is the managing director of eWomenNetwork, a networking organization for female entrepreneurs. She also owns All Glitzed Out, a sequin and rhinestone apparel business.

What’s the best advice you’ve ever received?

While working in the oil and gas industry, I had a situation that I needed resolved, so I went to the director. She listened to my concern and then said, “Next time you have an issue to present to me be sure you also present to me your solution.”

Besides your family, who has inspired you most in your career?

Sandra Yancey of eWomenNetwork has instilled the inspiration of “It is not about taking a step forward, but taking a step up.”

The Connector

Tasha Beckman

Exit Realty agent Tasha Beckman says she and her family love to explore the Colorado outdoors with hiking, fishing, hunting and golf activities, and cheer on the Rockies.

Besides your family, who has inspired you most in your career?

I had a girlfriend in college with a devastating disease. She once told me that it’s not about the level you achieve but how you got there in the first place that matters most. She lived life to the fullest for her short time, and that inspires me to keep going, especially on bad days.

What’s your favorite Parker hangout?

The Parker Farmers Market because of the sense of community that permeates Mainstreet every Sunday in the summer.

The Mom

Julie Moore

Julie Moore volunteers for several organizations, including Acts of Grace, a nonprofit that supports women on bed rest, and works for a foreign exchange program where she connects students and host families in the Parker area. One of Julie’s daughters has a rare auditory disorder that requires cochlear implants, and she says her background in speech-language and hearing sciences helps her advocate for her daughter.

What motivates you?

My faith and my family are my biggest motivation.

Who has been your biggest inspiration?

My Aunt Ellie—I am always inspired by how she loved others well.

What’s your favorite Parker hangout?

Fika Coffee House—I love the atmosphere of downtown Parker, and nothing beats meeting a friend and having a conversation over a great cup of coffee.

The Philanthropist/Owner

Stacey James

Stacey James owns cosmetology school Stacey James Institute in Parker and volunteers her time with Veterans Affairs, Impact for the Homeless, Extended Hands of Hope, The Avanti House and Miss Amazing Pageant, among others.

What motivates you?

Being in the beauty industry for a few decades, my motivation is all around me—my family, friends and my incredible clients.

What’s your favorite Parker hangout?

My favorite Parker hangout is any event where I’m able to give back. Town events, fairs, fundraisers. I love getting involved with the Town Council, Mayor Mike and the people who help to shape Parker, the amazing place I call home.